Playing India or China card not a viable policy: Nepal PM K P Sharma Oli

NEW DELHI: Nepalese Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli on Monday tried to clear air over his government’s attempts to reach out to China and claimed that his country does not play India or China “card” and there is “no question” of favouring one over the other as it is not a viable “policy option”. “Misunderstandings” between India and Nepal “do not” persist anymore, Oli said during a public address, terming it as the “most important” outcome of his first visit to India after assuming office last October.

However, on the day when Oli turned 65, he defended the country’s constitution which had earlier irked India as it lacks inclusiveness which led to prolonged agitation by the Madhesis in the Himalayan State. Both PM and Foreign Minister have extended greetings to Oli on his birthday which fell during his maiden visit abroad as PM.

He made the remarks while delivering the 21st Sapru House Lecture of the Indian Council of World Affairs here which was presided over by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

Oli, however, rued the Constitution may not have satisfied all as it was a document of compromise among divergent people and groups.